Data Breach FAQs for Consumers
Helpful answers for consumers affected by a breach
A data breach is an event that occurs when secure data is inadvertently released to, or accessed by, unauthorized individuals. Data breach incidents can include the loss or theft of data such as digital media, computer tapes, hard drives, and computers. Other instances include situations where data is compromised due to security measures being breached or the unapproved posting or sharing of sensitive data via email or to public Internet sites. Data breaches pose serious safety and security risks for organizations as well as for the individuals who could be affected by the data loss. Data breaches can be accidental but are often the result of theft with the intent of fraud.
Data breaches happen primarily due to lost or stolen laptops or computers and to system failures. System failures qualify as security measures of software applications that malfunction, credit card processing systems whose security systems fail or are breached, social engineering attacks and unapproved access to networks and other IT-related glitches where security measures are compromised. In some cases, they are a result of direct criminal activity which targets an organization’s sensitive data.
Experian considers itself a steward of the information it collects, maintains and utilizes. Our responsibility is to ensure the security of the information in our care and to maintain the privacy of consumers through appropriate, responsible use. Experian uses a variety of security systems to safeguard the information we maintain and provide. We maintain physical security for our facilities and limit access to critical areas. We conduct approval processes before information Experian maintains can be accessed or changed.
A security freeze, also known as a credit report freeze, file freeze or credit report lockdown, is designed to prevent a credit reporting company (the Experian® bureau, Equifax or TransUnion) from releasing credit report information without a consumer’s consent.
However, you should be aware that using a security freeze to take control over who is allowed access to the personal and financial information in your file may delay, interfere with or prohibit the timely approval of any subsequent request or application you make regarding a new loan, credit, mortgage, insurance, government services or payments, rental housing, employment, investment, license, cellular telephone, utilities, digital signature, Internet credit card transaction or other services, including an extension of credit at point of sale.
When you place a security freeze on your file, you will be provided a personal identification number or password to use if you choose to remove the security freeze from your file or authorize the temporary release of your credit report for a specific person or period after the security freeze is in place. To provide that authorization, you must contact the reporting agency and provide all the following:
A security freeze generally does not apply to circumstances in which you have an existing account relationship and a copy of your report is requested by your existing creditor or its agents or affiliates for certain types of account review, collection, fraud control or similar activities.
If you are actively seeking credit, you should understand that the procedures involved in lifting a security freeze may slow your own applications for credit. You should plan ahead and lift a freeze, either completely if you are shopping around, or specifically for a certain creditor, a few days before actually applying for new credit.
An initial security alert notifies potential credit grantors that they should verify a consumer’s identification before credit is extended in their name. Fraud alerts can be placed with one or all three credit bureaus; the Experian® bureau, Equifax and TransUnion. Fraud alerts last for 90 days and can be renewed for 90-day intervals.
Remember! An alert may prevent you from being approved for new credit or you may be asked to provide identity information!
An initial security alert message is added to a credit report if you suspect that your identification information has been or could be used fraudulently.
A Dispute is the disagreement over the accuracy of an item (or items) on your credit report that you would like to have updated or removed. Disputes must be submitted to the credit reporting agency who provided the credit report on which the potential error is found. Examples of items that can be disputed:
Under federal law you are entitled to a copy of your credit report annually from all three credit reporting agencies - the Experian® bureau, Equifax® and TransUnion® - once every 12 months. Every consumer should check their credit reports from each of the 3 bureaus annually. Doing so will allow you to make sure your credit is up-to-date and accurate. Each reporting agency collects and records information in different ways and may not have the same information about your credit history.
You may contact the Central Source by visiting www.AnnualCreditReport.com
When you order, you will need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. To verify your identity, you may need to provide some information on your credit report, such as the amount of your monthly mortgage payment. Your free annual credit report does not include your credit score.
Identity theft is the crime of using someone else's personal information, such as an account number, driver's license, health insurance card or Social Security number, to commit fraud.
Experian Fraud Resolution Agents are employees of an Experian group company. We do not use a third party subcontractor for our Fraud Resolution Services.
A member of our Identity Theft Resolution Team will be assigned to work with you in addressing your concerns. We will follow these six steps to protect you from the damages caused by identity theft:
Disclaimer:
This is not intended to include all methods of determining if you are a victim, and may not be enough to help identify if you are a victim of identity theft.
Questions to ask yourself about the item you believe is fraudulent:
If you answer “no” to any of these questions or you believe someone using your identity to fraudulently apply for an account in your name, you may need to contact an Experian agent for assistance.
PLACE A 90-DAY FRAUD ALERT ON YOUR CREDIT FILE
An initial 90 day security alert indicates to anyone requesting your credit file that you suspect you are a victim of fraud. When you or someone else attempts to open a credit account in your name, increase the credit limit on an existing account, or obtain a new card on an existing account, the lender should takes steps to verify that you have authorized the request. If the creditor cannot verify this, the request should not be satisfied. You may contact one of the credit reporting companies below for assistance.
PLACE A SECURITY FREEZE ON YOUR CREDIT FILE
If you are very concerned about becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft, a security freeze might be right for you. Placing a freeze on your credit report will prevent lenders and others from accessing your credit report in connection with new credit applications, which will prevent them from extending credit. A security freeze general does not apply to circumstances in which you have an existing account relations and a copy of your report is requires by your existing creditor or its agents or affiliates for certain types of account review, collection, fraud control or similar activities. With a Security Freeze in place, you will be required to take special steps when you wish to apply for any type of credit. This process is also completed through each of the credit reporting companies.
Review your credit report
In most cases, fraudulent activity can be detected by reviewing the accounts, inquiries and addresses that appear on a credit report. Review your report carefully for the following items:
File an identity theft report with your local police department
Once you have confirmed fraudulent activity on your credit report or from another source, file an identity theft report with a law enforcement agency, typically your local police department.
Notify lenders and credit card companies
Fraudulent accounts created with your identity
Existing accounts that have been compromised
Report your victimization to state and federal agencies
If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, here is some important contact information that can help you respond:
Monitor your credit
Checking your credit reports regularly is one of the best ways to engage with your credit information. It can also help you detect suspicious activity that may appear on your Experian® bureau, Equifax and Transunion credit reports, allowing you to minimize the damage from identity theft or fraud. Experian’s ProtectMyID checks your credit reports each day, and notifies you when key changes are detected. Visit ProtectMyID.com for more information.
Note: An Experian Fraud Resolution agent can guide you through many of the steps above should they be required.
MANAGE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
Take steps such as: carrying only essential documents with you; being aware of whom you are sharing your personal information with and shredding receipts, statements, and other sensitive information
PREVENT ONLINE OR TELEPHONE THEFT
MONITOR KEY DOCUMENTS FOR SIGNS OF FRAUD
Monitor your credit
Checking your credit reports regularly is one of the best ways to engage with your credit information. It can also help you detect suspicious activity that may appear on your Experian® bureau, Equifax and Transunion credit reports, allowing you to minimize the damage from identity theft or fraud. Experian’s ProtectMyID checks your credit reports each day, and notifies you when key changes are detected. Visit ProtectMyID.com for more information.
USE TOOLS FROM CREDIT PROVIDERS
Carefully review your credit reports and bank, credit card and other account statements. Be proactive and create alerts on credit cards and bank accounts to notify you of activity. If you discover unauthorized or suspicious activity on your credit report or by any other means, file an identity theft report with your local police and contact a credit reporting company.
OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT IDENTITY THEFT AND WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF
Learn more about how to respond to identity theft by reading about topics such as:
What features does ProtectMyID contain?
You can contact Experian immediately regarding any fraud issues. For details on the features you have access to once you enroll in ProtectMyID, please review the notification you received.
Do I have to provide a credit card to enroll?
A credit card is not required for enrollment in ProtectMyID.
How do I activate my ProtectMyID membership?
Review the notification letter you received for enrollment instructions.
How long is my ProtectMyID membership for?
Review the notification letter you received. It will contain details of the length of your complimentary membership, as well as the enrollment end date.
Do I have to enroll in ProtectMyID in order to take advantage of the Fraud Resolution services?
No. The offer of fraud resolution assistance does not require any action on your part at this time. When you find that you need assistance within the specified time frame included in your notification , you just contact an Experian agent at the number indicated on your letter.
This information is provided for general guidance and information. It is not intended as, nor should it be construed to be legal, financial or other professional advice. Please consult with your attorney or financial advisor to discuss any legal or financial issues involved with credit decisions.
Please refer to the contact methods below for personal data breach, credit report and/or membership inquiries.